With a Little More Effort…

The Illinois Policy Institute reports that Illinois ranks 48th of the 50 states in economic competitiveness:

A new survey shows Illinois ranking pretty low on economic indicators: 48th in the U.S.

That was Illinois’ cumulative score on 15 economic indicators tracked by the American Legislative Exchange Council Center for State Fiscal Reform in its 16th “Rich States, Poor States” report. High taxes, high public debt, high rates of people moving away and slow economic growth drove the ranking.

Here’s our showing in the factors:

From the source of the information:

The Economic Outlook Ranking is a forecast based on a state’s current standing in 15 state policy variables. Each of these factors is influenced directly by state lawmakers through the legislative process. Generally speaking, states that spend less — especially on income transfer programs — and states that tax less — particularly on productive activities such as working or investing — experience higher growth rates than states that tax and spend more.

I don’t know if that claim is wrong or right. It is something to think about. C’mon, Illinois. With a little more effort you can reach #50! Although Illinois and Chicago voters have consistently rejected referenda that would have accomplished that feat.

It’s certainly one of the factors influencing the state’s outmigration.

We’re worse on this index than California and better than New York. We’re considerably worse than all neighboring states.